Shloka 26

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Jambūdvīpa: Varṣas

Devanagari script

वर्षाणां पर्वतानां च यथाभेदं तथोत्तरम् तेषां मध्ये जनपदास् तानि वर्षाणि सप्त वै //

Transliteration

varṣāṇāṃ parvatānāṃ ca yathābhedaṃ tathottaram teṣāṃ madhye janapadās tāni varṣāṇi sapta vai //

Translation

Now, in due order, I shall describe the distinct divisions of the regions (varṣas) and the mountains; and within those divisions lie the countries (janapadas). Indeed, those regions are seven in number.

Word by Word

• वर्षाणाम् (varṣāṇām): of the regions/continental divisions

• पर्वतानाम् (parvatānām): of the mountains

• च (ca): and

• यथा-भेदम् (yathā-bhedam): according to their respective distinctions/divisions

• तथा (tathā): in that manner

• उत्तरम् (uttaram): the subsequent account/further description

• तेषाम् (teṣām): of them

• मध्ये (madhye): in the midst/within

• जनपदाः (janapadāḥ): countries, realms, provinces

• तानि (tāni): those

• वर्षाणि (varṣāṇi): regions

• सप्त (sapta): seven

• वै (vai): indeed/certainly.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution for this discourse section)

Entities Mentioned

• Janapadas
• Varṣas
• Parvatas

Tags

• Bhugola
• Jambudvipa
• Geography
• Janapadas
• Cosmography

FAQs

What does this verse reveal about the creation or dissolution (Pralaya)?

This verse is not about Pralaya; it introduces a cosmographical catalog—how regions (varṣas) and mountains are divided, and how countries (janapadas) are situated within them.

How does this verse relate to the duties of a King or Householder?

By locating janapadas within larger regional divisions, the verse frames the idea of orderly territorial organization—useful background for kingship (rulership over janapadas) even though no direct rajadharma rule is stated here.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated; the significance is indirect—sacred geography underlies pilgrimage networks and temple siting traditions that often align with purāṇic regional and mountain classifications.